First case in the new Fatorda police station filed against Vijai Sardesai

The first case at the newly inaugurated Fatorda police station was filed against none other then the local MLA Vijai Sardesai himself. Sardesai and Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had inaugurated the new police station on September 30. Minutes after the inauguration of the police station Advocate Aires Rodrigues filed a case against Sardesai under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

On being asked why he chose to file the case at the Fatorda police station Rodrigues explained that activist Kashinath Shetye was called by Sardesai from Fatorda and he had call records to prove it. Rodrigues further informed that he would give the station in-charge sufficient time to register the case or else he will consider other options.

Police inspector Navlesh Naik told ToI that he would conduct an enquiry to ascertain the authenticity of the claim and then take a decision on whether to register a complaint or not.

Rodrigues submitted a copy of a video clip and transcript of the conversation between Sardesai and Shetye. In the voice clip, Sardesai is heard coercing and attempting to influence the litigant Shetye.

Shetye had filed a Pubic Interest Litigation (PIL) in regards to alleged illegal conversion of open spaces into plots of Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) in Verna. The allegation further states that these plots were then allotted to a few people, among them featured the names of CM Parrikar and former Fatorda MLA Damu Naik.

Rodrigues has alleged the conversation exposes a criminal conspiracy and prima facie indicates allotment of public property by corrupt means.